Christmas can be a difficult time for our Australian Defence Force (ADF) service men and women who are deployed away from home and separated from their loved ones.
A simple message of thanks to our service men and women will remind them of how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make in order to serve and protect our nation.
It would be terrific if our community could get behind this great cause this Christmas and send either a message or donation to our troops.
You can show your support by sending an email to supportthetroops@defence.gov.au. These messages are distributed to personnel on all ADF.
As for donations or physical gifts, the best and preferred method for our troops to receive some physical items to remind them of home is for members of the public to make a donation to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund.
The fund prepares care packages that are dispatched twice each year to Defence, Australian Federal Police and Other Government Agency personnel deployed on operations.
These care packs contain various non-perishable items, a letter of appreciation on behalf of all Australians, and RSL Membership contact details. Importantly, these packs are professionally prepared and meet all Defence and host nation transport and import requirements.
Donations to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund can be made at http://www.rsl.org.au/Support-Us. Donations over $2 are tax deductible, and every donation is individually acknowledged by the RSL.
For those still wishing to send a care package, the Australian Forces Post Office box address below will be open from 3 November until 8 December.
An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
All items must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 8 December 2014 and meet the requirements and restrictions detailed on the Defence website at www.defence.gov.au.